UTERCalifornia halibut fishing in Central California Coast
In Central California Coast, California halibut peak May–August and are around April–October, according to Fish Scouter's month-by-month season calendar. May: Bay halibut on the drift — live anchovy or a swimbait on the incoming.
A few on warm afternoons.
California halibut in Central California Coast, month by month
- JanuaryNot here
- FebruaryNot here
- MarchNot here
- AprilArrivingFirst San Francisco Bay halibut on the flats off Alameda and Berkeley.
- MayPeakBay halibut on the drift — live anchovy or a swimbait on the incoming.
- JunePeakPeak in the Bay: Berkeley Flats, Alameda Rock Wall, Angel Island; Monterey Bay beaches.
- JulyPeakStill peak; Pacifica and Ocean Beach surf at dawn.
- AugustPeakBay and Monterey's Capitola/Seacliff sand.
- SeptemberLeavingBay fish start to leave.
- OctoberAroundA few on warm afternoons.
- NovemberNot here
- DecemberNot here
Where to fish California halibut near Morro Bay, Monterey, Santa Cruz
A rugged, cold coast of kelp and granite — Big Sur, Monterey Bay's submarine canyon, Half Moon Bay, the Farallones — and San Francisco Bay, San Pablo and Suisun Bays running up into the Delta.
What to use for California halibut
- Anchovies (Pacific)Nose- or collar-hooked on a #4 to 1/0 hook and fly-lined with no weight, or on a dropper loop; a dozen tossed over the side as chum keeps the bass and bonito up.
- Sardines (Pacific)Collar- or nose-hooked on a 1/0 to 3/0 hook and fly-lined for yellowtail, white seabass and calico bass; a sinker a few feet up to get it under the bait ball.
- Leader20–40 lb fluorocarbon
- Hook#1–4/0
- Jig head1/8–1/2 oz
- Braid10–30 lb
Feeds in 56–72°F water, best at 60–68°F.
Questions anglers ask
When is the best time to catch California halibut in Central California Coast?
Peak season is May–August. California halibut are in Central California Coast April–October. May: Bay halibut on the drift — live anchovy or a swimbait on the incoming.
Where do California halibut hold in Central California Coast?
Look on beach / surf, grass flat, channel edge, fishing pier, pass / inlet, dock / pilings — around Morro Bay, Monterey, Santa Cruz, Half Moon Bay, San Francisco, Berkeley.
What is the best bait for California halibut in Central California Coast?
Live bait: anchovies (pacific), sardines (pacific). Anchovies (Pacific): Nose- or collar-hooked on a #4 to 1/0 hook and fly-lined with no weight, or on a dropper loop; a dozen tossed over the side as chum keeps the bass and bonito up. Tackle: leader 20–40 lb fluorocarbon, hook #1–4/0, jig head 1/8–1/2 oz, braid 10–30 lb.
What are the rules for California halibut in Central California Coast?
Size and bag limits and closed seasons are set by the California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) and change — read the current rule at https://wildlife.ca.gov/Fishing/Ocean/Regulations before you keep a fish. A licence is sold at https://wildlife.ca.gov/Licensing/Fishing.
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All about California halibut · Central Coast & San Francisco Bay, the whole year